For this year’s International Women’s Day, Carr Associate Stephanie Poole sat down with Charlotte Huston for a studio-wide conversation about her career journey, learnings, and thoughts on this year’s IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action’.
Read Stephanie’s interview below!
You joined Carr in 2012 as an Architectural Graduate, and since then, you’ve risen to become a leader in the residential architecture sector as an Associate. Over this time, what have been your biggest lessons and surprises on both a professional and personal level?
So much has happened over this period. On a professional level, one thing that stands out – and may sound obvious – is that you can’t know everything in this industry. It’s impossible, and things are always changing. I’ve learned that rather than second-guess myself, it’s better to become comfortable asking the right questions to find the right answers.
Another professional lesson, or perhaps life lesson, is that change is always constant; you can’t hold onto certainty. You must learn to ride the waves to keep your head above water and keep going.
From a personal perspective, I was at Carr for two wonderful years, from 2012 to 2014, but I had always wanted to live and work overseas. I got a job in Zurich, and my employer expected me to learn German and to speak it in the studio. That was a step out of my comfort zone, but it was a challenge that made me stronger. Beyond working, living abroad and seeing the way other people live was very inspiring.
Lastly, becoming a parent has taught me a great deal about love, joy, and patience. That has had a significant impact on both my personal and professional life. It was a shock returning to work after parental leave, but I learned to prioritise and to do more with less time, so becoming a parent has enriched my professional life as well.
This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ emphasises the urgent need for progress in achieving gender equality by addressing systemic barriers women face. How does this theme align with your journey at Carr? Can you share moments of solidarity, career growth, or support in business infrastructure that have helped you as a designer and individual?
I’ve been lucky in my career to have a great journey in my professional life as a woman – I don’t feel that my gender has impacted my ability to grow and develop. But I consider myself very fortunate, as I understand that not everyone shares this experience.
At Carr, I have had numerous valuable opportunities, notably the guidance of exceptional mentors, both in formal and informal capacities.
Returning to Carr after working overseas was a rewarding experience, and transitioning into the Associate position through the Pathway Program—especially as it was being formalised at the time—was particularly meaningful. I felt supported throughout that process and was grateful that, by the time I stepped into the role, I felt well-prepared and confident.
Additionally, our parental leave policy has been incredible. I never felt any pressure regarding when to return to work or how many days to work. The respect for maintaining a balance between work and family life has been invaluable and is something for which I am deeply appreciative.
You mentioned mentors. How important have mentors or role models been in your career? Is there anyone you admire in the industry?
I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors throughout my career. Among them, Sue Carr has been particularly impactful. I recall working with her on Frame House, as a Graduate in 2012, where we reviewed the joinery package I had been developing. I was designing a drawer layout to accommodate belts and ties, and I had made an error with a dimension that didn’t quite make sense. Sue asked, “Have you rolled up a tie and measured it to see how much space you need?” At that moment, I realised how simple yet profound her advice was—sometimes, the answers are right in front of us, and we can learn from the world around us. While this might seem like a small anecdote, it was a valuable lesson at a time when I was still quite junior in my career. I am so grateful for Sue’s generosity in taking the time to mentor the team and to encourage us to carefully consider even the smallest details of a project.
In addition to Sue, I’ve had the privilege of working with mentors of all genders. I have collaborated with some truly remarkable individuals, both at Carr and in other firms, including abroad. I believe that learning can come from any conversation, regardless of experience level.
Following on from the previous question, now that you are an established designer yourself, how do you try to mentor emerging team members to build confidence?
I really enjoy the mentoring program at Carr. The most important thing you can do as a mentor is to listen closely to one another. Everyone comes to the industry with their own motivations, perspectives, interests, and challenges. We all have a common interest in design, but we approach it from different perspectives.
Where it’s appropriate, I also try to be vulnerable and share my similar experiences or challenges. Then, I encourage the team to work out what motivates and drives them forward. To be authentic and to have a voice in whatever way that is, whether you’re extroverted or whether you prefer to communicate more subtly.
We talk about challenges within the industry, particularly for female professionals, but on a positive note, what is that you love about the world of design? What makes you excited to get up every day and do what you do?
I love the process of creating and uncovering opportunities, especially as part of a team. I’m not particularly interested in working alone. As I’ve mentioned before, we’re always learning, and while that can sometimes be uncomfortable, it can also be incredibly inspiring and exciting.
I love that I’m learning something new every day, whether it be from a client, project, or team member. For me, the combination of learning, the creative process, and building connections is key. The relationships we form with our consultants, clients, teammates, and suppliers are invaluable. When you nurture those relationships, even when challenges arise during a project, you can weather them together. There’s a healthy give and take, and I really appreciate that aspect of true collaboration.
Read about last’s IWD studio event with one of Australia’s leading furniture and product designers, Helen Kontouris.
